September 24, 1955 – May 11, 2019

Tribute Video

Mark Wheeler Brooks

Mark was born on September 24, 1955 in Chattanooga, TN. He grew up working on his family farm, Brooks Dairy Inc., in Ooltewah, TN where he attended Ooltewah High School, graduating in 1973. Mark attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) earning his Bachelors of Science Degree in Mathematics in 1977. While at UTC, Mark was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corp, the UTC Marching Band, and the Chattanooga Opera. Mark went on to receive a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1978, and a Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1991.

Mark was a dedicated employee to the Tennessee Valley Authority from 1979 until 2014. During his 35 years of service with TVA in multiple departments, he held his longest tenure with the Transmission Reliability Operations group. His peers viewed him as a leader and held his talents and contributions to the department in the highest regard. Even more than his dedication to his work, he was a loyal family man.

On May 26, 1979, Mark married his college sweetheart, Sallie McKenzie (Brooks). During their 40 year marriage, Mark and Sallie raised three daughters in Chattanooga through their examples of faith, perseverance and unconditional love. As the pillar in his family, he taught and lived by his motto, “Always Earned, Never Given.”

Mark was best known in the community as a volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House, an activist for the East Brainerd Community, a dedicated member of the YMCA, a former member of Ooltewah Baptist Church, a former Deacon of Ridgedale Baptist Church, and an active member of the Christ United Methodist Church.

Mark was an avid runner, with a passion for Disney half-marathons, having completed seven in the past three years.

In retirement, Mark and Sallie grew a passion for travel, whether it was a trip to visit their three daughters, exploring a new National Park, or relaxing on a cruise. Above all, nothing compared to the love Mark had for his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. He will forever be remembered as a man of truth and integrity.

Mark is preceded in death by his father, Henry Allen Brooks, and mother, Betty Wheeler Brooks.

Memories

Mark Wheeler Brooks

Kim Lett

May 18, 2019

Dear Sallie and family,I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I came to know Mark at the YMCA where he was a regular member of our morning workout class. As I got to know Mark, I quickly learned that he was a man of faith, integrity, and he loved you very much. Mark touched my life as I know he did the lives of many, many others. My prayer is that you find comfort with precious memories of your life with Mark. May God's presence be with you and bless you.

Tam Pham

May 17, 2019

Michelle and Brock,Thinking about you and your entire family today. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Sending lots of love. Matt and Tam

lYNNE CORY

May 17, 2019

Sallie and Family, I was so sorry to learn of your beloved husband/father's passing. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Lynne Cory

Pat Woods

May 16, 2019

My deepest and sincere condolences to Mark’s family. I worked as the secretary and administrative assistant with Mark at the ROC. He was one of the smartest person I knew and very easy to work with. He was an expert in the field of contracts between TVA and other utilities throughout the country and also well known for his expertise. I was saddened to hear of his passing. My prayers are with you Sally and your daughters whom he loved dearly. He will be missed. I am recuperating from surgery and cannot attend his service. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Pat Woods

Joseph Jimerson

May 15, 2019

Emily, I have not known you long, but your quiet spirit brighten the office. I was so sorry to hear of the socking death of your Father. May the God of peace, comfort you and your family during this difficult time.

Cindy Green

May 15, 2019

Sallie and family, words can’t express how sorry I am for your lost. The strong family bond that you guys have will carry you thru this difficult time along with a lot of prayers but there will never be a doubt as to how much Mark loved his family. I love the picture that you have chosen with the big smile on his face because every time I saw him, he had that smile on his face. I will continue to pray for peace for you guys.

Scott Walker

May 15, 2019

I can't believe that Mark is gone. I worked with him for many years at TVA and as well as attending Ooltewah Baptist with him. Mark was a kind soul who was always quick to help. He was always revered for his transmission and customer contract knowledge and dealt a blow to TVA when he deservedly retired. I know he was a rock for his sweet family and will be most dearly missed. I'm thankful that I will see him again one day as he was a man of faith. God bless the Brooks family in this time of loss!!!

Rashelle Stafford

May 15, 2019

Dearest Sallie,

Our first Black Friday, you brought your entire family to Polly Claire’s! What a precious and sweet joy that was to our family. I didn’t realize then, that over the next few years you would continue to bring your beautiful girls and grandgirls in for us to enjoy. Admiring your family, watching the strong bonds, and smiling at the expansion has been a blessing. You aren’t merely our guest, you’ve become a dear friend The love you all have for one another will be a sure comfort and strength. Although the pain is real, the Brooks Family is amazingly blessed to care for each other so sincerely and kindly. My prayers for you will be ongoing. With much love,Rashelle

Kathleen Fittro

May 14, 2019

Sallie and family,The October weekend at the lake on Shoal Creek was heavenly and just meant to be. It had been awhile since we adult cousins had been together, but Mark and I had the BEST conversations about retirement, his fun trips with Sassie, and how much you girls meant to him. He was relaxed and TALKATIVE. Sallie and I tease about that to this day because like my husband, Mark was a man of few words...however, when it came to his precious family, the man would TALK! Mark was so much fun to be around, and I have loved every picture you girls have posted. God has his loving arms wrapped around you right now. Keep the faith, love one another, and know your friends and extended family are right here for you. Much love, Kathleen

Rick Thigpen

May 14, 2019

So very sorry for your loss. Your family has been added to the TVA Prayer List, and you will be prayed for daily...

Larry & Jeanette Underwood

May 14, 2019

Sally and family,We are so sad to learn of the sudden passing of your Mark. Surely, he is with the Lord, but having experienced sudden and unexpected loss of a loved one, that brings little solace initially. We pray that each of you will feel God's comforting presence in the days to come. May His presence be so very real to you.

Anthony Crutcher

May 14, 2019

Sallie, Words are empty of meaning at times like these. Warm thoughts of comfort I share with you and your family. Mark was a wonderful person whose presence will be greatly missed.

Anthony Crutcher

Judy McDaniel

May 14, 2019

Sending you all abundant love- and prayers for your steadfast peace and comfort in the days ahead. Mark was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother.... but to us he was a tremendous friend, a unique and rare gem whose legacy will forever be entwined with our lives. Much love,Judy McDaniel and family

Rachel Thayer

May 14, 2019

I had the good fortune of meeting Mark & Sallie through the RMH. I enjoyed the few moments we had before our shift changes and they were always so friendly and genuine. Sallie, I was so sorry to hear of Mark's passing. May you and your family find strength in your Faith and know so many are thinking of you.

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Biography

Mark was born on September 24, 1955 in Chattanooga, TN. He grew up working on his family farm, Brooks Dairy Inc., in Ooltewah, TN where he attended Ooltewah High School, graduating in 1973. Mark attended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) earning his Bachelors of Science Degree in Mathematics in 1977. While at UTC, Mark was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corp, the UTC Marching Band, and the Chattanooga Opera. Mark went on to receive a Masters of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville in 1978, and a Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1991.

Mark was a dedicated employee to the Tennessee Valley Authority from 1979 until 2014. During his 35 years of service with TVA in multiple departments, he held his longest tenure with the Transmission Reliability Operations group. His peers viewed him as a leader and held his talents and contributions to the department in the highest regard. Even more than his dedication to his work, he was a loyal family man.

On May 26, 1979, Mark married his college sweetheart, Sallie McKenzie (Brooks). During their 40 year marriage, Mark and Sallie raised three daughters in Chattanooga through their examples of faith, perseverance and unconditional love. As the pillar in his family, he taught and lived by his motto, “Always Earned, Never Given.”

Mark was best known in the community as a volunteer for the Ronald McDonald House, an activist for the East Brainerd Community, a dedicated member of the YMCA, a former member of Ooltewah Baptist Church, a former Deacon of Ridgedale Baptist Church, and an active member of the Christ United Methodist Church.

Mark was an avid runner, with a passion for Disney half-marathons, having completed seven in the past three years.

In retirement, Mark and Sallie grew a passion for travel, whether it was a trip to visit their three daughters, exploring a new National Park, or relaxing on a cruise. Above all, nothing compared to the love Mark had for his wife, daughters, and grandchildren. He will forever be remembered as a man of truth and integrity.

Mark is preceded in death by his father, Henry Allen Brooks, and mother, Betty Wheeler Brooks.

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